Vehicle attack near London mosque: What we know USA News Today

London authorities are investigating a van crash outside a mosque as possible terrorism. A van struck worshippers leaving the mosque early Monday after Ramadan prayers. The driver was arrested and hospitalized.AP

A police forensics officer examines a van believed to be involved in an incident near Finsbury Park Mosque in which one man was killed after a vehicle plowed into pedestrians early Monday.(Photo: Carl Court, Getty Images)

Who did it?

Metropolitan Police arrested a 48-year-old man — no identity given as of early Monday. Arriving officers found him “detained by members of public at the scene,” according to a police statement. The statement does not corroborate witness accounts of two others being involved, and it said there are no official reports of knife injuries. Police said the attack had “all the hallmarks” of a terrorism incident.

What is the reaction?

A leader of the Muslim Council of Britain called for extra security at mosques after the incident. The group’s general secretary, Harun Khan, said: “It appears from eyewitness accounts that the perpetrator was motivated by Islamophobia.” London’d Muslim Mayor Sadiq Khan said the assault was an attack “on all our shared values of tolerance, freedom and respect.” Police urged for calm and said more officers would be deployed.

Where was it?

The van veered into pedestrians near the Finsbury Park Mosque in the northern part of the capital, along Seven Sisters Road. Many worshipers were leaving the mosque as part of midnight prayers during the Ramadan observance of the Muslim religion. Finsbury Park was for years known as a high-crime area, but its image has improved.

Who were the victims?

Of the injured, two were treated at the scene for minor injuries, while eight were taken to three hospitals, police said. The pedestrian who died was declared dead at the scene, police said. Identities of the victims have not been released.

CLOSE

A vehicle struck pedestrians on a north London road early Monday morning, causing several casualties, police said. One person has been arrested. (June 18)AP

What are other recent incidents and tragedies?

The U.K.has suffered at least three — now possibly four — episodes of terrorism in under three months.

► March 22, London: A driver plowed into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, causing four deaths, then exited the vehicle and stabbed a police officer to death. The Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, called the slain attacker a “soldier,” though police said they were unaware of an actual connection with the group.► May 22, Manchester: A suicide bomber killed 22 people after a concert by U.S. pop star Ariana Grande just outside the venue. ISIS claimed responsibility. ► June 3, London: A van plowed into pedestrians along London Bridge and continued south to the popular Borough Market. Three attackers went on a stabbing spree before police killed them. ISIS claimed responsibility for the related attacks, which killed seven.

And just last week, Londoners were presented with the horrific sight of an entire high-rise on fire. The cause of the blaze that consumed the 24-story Grenfell Tower is under investigation. At least 58 people in the residential building died.